‘Rondo Brothers’ spotlights St. Paul neighborhood heritage – AOL

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (FOX 9) – At its peak from the 1930s to the 1950s, the St. Paul Rondeau neighborhood was a haven for African Americans with black-owned grocery stores, credit unions and social clubs.

Now, part of the history of this colorful community is preserved for future generations.

What is The Rondo Brothers About?

“We were just trying to make sure people knew what happened back then,” said Russell Ballenger, one of the film’s subjects.

The new documentary “The Brothers Of Rondo” describes the lives of four friends growing up in the Rondo neighborhood.

It shows how they were affected by the construction of I-94, which split the neighborhood in half and cost the rondo 700 homes, 300 businesses and 61 percent of its population.

“Within a three-year period, my mom died, my dad died, and we lost our home, which was pretty devastating,” said Reedus Fletcher, another subject of the film.

Ironically, the highway that devastated their community also led the men to Minnesota State University Moorhead, where they became some of the first African-Americans to attend the school.

What does it all mean?

All four say they have used the lessons they learned at Rondo to make an impact in their careers, communities and the state of Minnesota.

“You have to take advantage of those opportunities and do the right things so that those opportunities flourish and put you in a better position in life,” said Lewis Scott, who also stars in the film.

The men hope “The Brothers Of Rondo” will illustrate the importance of being resilient, just like the community they come from.

“There is a way to be successful and there is good in working together,” Fletcher said.

“The Brothers Of Rondo” will have its Twin Cities premiere at the Minnesota History Center on the afternoon of Sunday, October 13.

After the screening, there will be a panel discussion on the film’s themes.